Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25905 is now available to Insiders on the Canary channel. Additionally, Microsoft provides ISO images for this build for those who would like to install it from scratch. With this release, the company switches back to the RS_PRERELEASE branch of code. So many of the features that were earlier removed after switching to ZN_RELEASE will return. Windows 11 Build 25905 build includes new features from the Dev Channel, such as Dev Drive, Backup and Restore improvements (Windows Backup), Dynamic Lighting, the Windows App SDK version of File Explorer and Gallery, and more.
Category: Windows 11
Microsoft Store AI Hub is now available to Insiders
The new Microsoft Store AI Hub announced at Build is starting to roll out. It is now available to Dev and Canary channel insiders. The app version in the Canary channel is 22306.1401.1.0.
Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and 10, July 11, 2023
Traditionally on the second Tuesday of the month, Microsoft releases cumulative updates for all supported Windows versions. The patches are already available on Windows Update. They do not bring with them drastic changes, but aim at fixing known issues, improve compatibility and reliability of apps and services.
Windows 11, version 21H2 will reach end of servicing in October 2023
Microsoft notifies its customers that several editions of Windows 11 version 21H2 will reach their end of servicing on October 10, 2023. The affected editions are Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro Workstation.
Windows 11 WSA 2306 released with Amazon Store generally available for devs
Windows Subsystem for Android 2306 has been released with several improvements. The 2306.40000.1.0 update brings with it Linux Kernel 5.15.104, Android 13 security updates, and stability fixes for ARM devices. Here are the details.
How to enable Windows 11 Rounded Corners and Mica in a Virtual Machine
When installing Windows 11 in a Virtual Machine (Hyper-V or VirtualBox), it shows no Rounded Corners nor Mica effects. The appearance the operating system gets looks a bit aged. It is hard to say at a glance if you are working with Windows 11 or with its predecessor, as all window frames will have square corners. Here's how to fix it and enable rounded corners in a virtual machine.
Microsoft’s Validation OS received an update (again quietly)
Microsoft has quietly released an update for Microsoft Validation OS, a lightweight distribution of Windows 11, without any official announcement. The updated ISOs for Validation OS are now available, but this particular operating system is not intended for end-users.
How to Enable Improved Snap Layout in Windows 11 Build 23493
As Microsoft noted in the official announcement, Windows 11 Build 23493 adds a new style of snap layout. When you hover over the Maximize or Restore button (or use the WIN + Z combination), you will notice icons of running applications in various layouts, allowing you to select the most suitable option. But Microsoft has made them accessible to a limited group of Insiders. If you don't have them after upgrading to the latest Dev channel build, then you can manually enable them by following this guide.
How to enable the Home page in Settings on Windows 11
Microsoft is working on a new "Home" page for the Settings app for quite long. It is intended to become the first page you see after pressing the Win + I keys. It appeared several times in Insider Preview builds, but always in form of a half-baked hidden feature. Starting in Build 23493, Windows 11 finally reveals the new page to the public.
How to enable Windows Copilot in Windows 11 (Build 23493+)
Starting in Windows 11 Build 23493, Microsoft ships the Copilot feature with the OS. It is the latest Dev channel build as of this writing. Microsoft rolls-out the new functionality gradually, so you may have no access to it right away. Here's how to enable it and give it a try.
